The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Curry house could have licence revoked over several breaches
A late night city curry house could have its licence revoked for “blatantly ignoring” a number of contract conditions.
An application to review the licence of the Zaika restaurant in New Road Peterborough- also known as Shalimar Gardens - has been made as part of a joint effort by the city council and Cambridgeshire Police.
It comes after the venue was given a licence to stay open until 5am back in 2010 after originally having its opening hours cut to 2am following a sex assault on the premises.
Licensing chiefs say that there have been “consistent breaches” of the venue’s licence and have lodged the application, recommending a revocation.
The news also meant that a party due to be held at the restaurant last weekend had to be cancelled.
A report to go before Peterborough City Council’s licensing committee states that officers who inspected the venue on January 26 noted several breaches including no licence holder, qualified first aider or door staff being present after 11pm.
They also cited concerns over a lack staff training, IDissues and said there had been numerous complaints from a nearby Travel Lodge Hotel over loud music.
During the inspection the officers also noted that nobody at the restaurant knew how to operate the venue’s CCTV camera system.
A statement by the council’s licensing team read: “We have worked closely with the premises licence holder to help them understand the Premises Licence andits conditions.
“Unfortunately this appears to have been blatantly ignored and the operator is in intent on doing as he pleases in order to maximise profit and increase footfall at his venue. Wedo not believe he is a fit and proper Premises Licence Holder.
“Conditions are already in place that if maintained effec- tively can assist the operators to promote a safe and responsible venue.”
Mohammed Khubaib, the premises licence holder for Zaika, said he did not want to comment on the review as the investigation is on going.